5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance vs. the Bears

Jayden Daniels' toughness

It wasn't easy. It wasn't perfect. But one thing that cannot be disputed is Jayden Daniels' toughness.

The Washington Commanders asked a lot of their quarterback despite a rib injury that left him out of action for almost the entire week. Daniels answered the call, staying in the pocket and trying to get things going. It was more disjointed than usual, but this was thanks in no small part to a smothering Chicago Bears defense that turned on the style in the second half.

Daniels took some serious punishment. Fans were wincing every time Washington's prized possession went to the ground. However, his inner desire and competitiveness came to the fore constantly.

This was all about grinding it out and hoping the defense met their end of the bargain. It quickly became a war of attrition, and the Commanders have the right guy under center when things get like that.

It's been a long time since fans could say that with any confidence.

Jayden Daniels' late miracle

This was en route to being a heartbreaking loss for the Commanders. They led for almost the entirety before finally falling behind with 25 seconds left. It was a gut punch for Jayden Daniels, but the signal-caller responded with an absolute miracle.

The fact he was even out there was miraculous. Daniels lost velocity on his throws as the contest wore on, which was understandable. But he dug deep right at the death to launch a Hail Mary that was tipped right into the hands of Noah Brown for a walk-off touchdown.

Northwest Stadium erupted. Dan Quinn was beside himself on the sideline. Even Daniels could barely believe what was occurring. It was a play that will go down in NFL history and lent further weight to the claims that something special is building in D.C.

Just astonishing. You couldn't make it up. But weirdly, Daniels deserved this good fortune for toughing it out when all hope seemed lost.

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